Odd Future Removed From Big Day Out Festival Lineup For Homophobic Lyrics

OFWGKTA has been nixed from the New Zealand festival for some of their more controversial lyrics.

Big Day Out festival promoters, responding to concerns about Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All's homophobic lyrical content, have removed the group from the festival's lineup.

According to gaynz.com, the concerns were brought up by gay Wellington man Calum Bennachie, who wrote a letter to the promoters expressing his concerns.

”We passed on some concerns that had been expressed locally back to the Australian owners of Big Day Out and the outcome of the joint consideration of that was a change in line up for the event.” said CEO of Regional Facilities Auckland John Brockies. “We want all New Zealanders to have a fantastic time at Big Day Out.”

Read the letter below:

I understand that the group Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (Odd Future) is to perform at the Big Day Out, despite the fact their songs contain extremely homophobic, misogynistic and hateful lyrics. It is through lyrics used by Odd Future that “Whole cultures may be induced, invited, or permitted to hate people or ideas they fear, or who are perceived as threats to their dearly held values” (Whillock & Slayden,1995: x).

I would have thought that you had learned what happens through that sort of music after the Beanie Man controversy, but it appears you have not.

Gordon Allport (1958) examines the ideas behind prejudice and hatred, how these affect people, and how hate speech eventually leads to violence through a five point scale: antilocution (the open expression of antagonism), avoidance (of members of the disliked group), discrimination, physical attack, and extermination.

Daniel Goldhagen (1996) discussed the three dimensions of anti-Semitism (source of malefic qualities, latent-manifest preoccupation, and putative perniciousness). Although Goldhagen (1996: 35-36) discusses anti-Semitism, the same can be said can also be said about homophobia:

It is his [sexual orientation], his [identification], or his [sexual behaviour].

These same three dimensions: source, latent-manifest, and perniciousness can be seen to exist in homophobia.

Both Allport's (1958) scale or action, and Goldhagen's (1996) three dimensions can be applied to other forms of hatred, and could also be seen to increase if the lyrics used by Odd Future against specific groups were to be allowed at Big Day Out.

Herek and Berrill (1992) indicate that the effects of hate speech on a person's self-esteem and the stigmatisation imposed cannot be ignored. It has been shown in numerous studies that stigmatisation of a group and a lack of self esteem can lead to suicide (Clayton, 1997; Fergusson, Horwood, Ridder & Beautrais, 2005: 979; Petrie and Brook, 1992; Rosenhan and Seligman, 1985: 342-343). The effects of these lyrics on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender emerging youth could be enormous, stigmatising them, resulting in low self-esteem, and possible subsequent consequences, such as suicide, and personal verbal and physical attacks. All these are certainly injurious to the public good. Furthermore, stigmatised groups are less likely to retain safe choices in regards to a variety of factors, including safer sex

In terms of societal hatred, Greg Herek (2004: 14) points out that “First, hostility exists in the form of shared knowledge that is embodied in cultural ideologies that define sexuality, demarcate social groupings based on it, and assign value to those groups and their members. Second, these ideologies are expressed through society's structure, institutions, and power relations. Third, individuals internalize these ideologies and, through their attitudes and actions, express, reinforce, and challenge them”.

This is not a new idea, but also dates back to Allport (1958: 152), who stated that minority members develop coping methods to deal with stigma directed at them, including “intrapunitive” measures, directed inwards: “one's sense of shame for possessing the despised qualities of one's group” as well as “repugnance for other members of one's group because they ‘possess' these qualities”.

This internalisation of hatred and stigmatisation affects people in various ways. Self esteem suffers under such an assault, and is often deemed necessary for ensuring that safe sexual decisions are made. However, NZ research seems to controvert this – self esteem levels in themselves are not indicators of safe sexual decisions (McGee & Williams, 2000). It appears that levels of stigma seems to have more effect than self esteem on decisions about safer sex decisions (Bruce, Ramirez-Valles, & Campbell, 2008; Preston D'Augelli, Kassab, Cain, Schultze, & Starks, 2004; Preston, D'Augelli, Kassab, & Starks, 2007). If these decisions are compromised, unsafe sex may be practiced, leading to infection with an STI, such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia or HIV. It is thus important to address stigmatisation of GLBT people and other minority groups.

People like Beenie Man and groups like Odd Future that promote hatred and discrimination against groups encourage violence against those groups. If it is acceptable to say something similar to “Gays are a cancer on society that deserves to be eliminated?”, then what group would be next?

Therefore, by allowing Odd Future to play at BDO, you are proving that you have little concern for the lives and welfare of LGBT people, that you are willing to endanger their lives, and seek to encourage stigmatisation against them. I find this disappointing in an organisation that could do so much to enhance the self esteem of youth, reduce stigma, and discourage violence. Over the last year we have heard of a number of LGBT youth who have committed suicide due to bullying tactics that are endorsed by music that belittles LGBT people, such as that played by Odd Future. Lyrics such as those played by Odd Future increase the societal discourse against LGBT people, a discourse that encourages bullying and violence.

Just as there are precedents for not allowing Beanie Man into New Zealand, I believe those same precedents apply in this case.

I therefore encourage you to reverse your decision to allow Odd Future to play at BDO, and thus prove that you do care about all members of society.

"I understand that the group Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (Odd Future) is to perform at the Big Day Out, despite the fact their songs contain extremely homophobic, misogynistic and hateful lyrics. It is through lyrics used by Odd Future that “Whole cultures may be induced, invited, or permitted to hate people or ideas they fear, or who are perceived as threats to their dearly held values” (Whillock & Slayden,1995: x).

I would have thought that you had learned what happens through that sort of music after the Beanie Man controversy, but it appears you have not.

Gordon Allport (1958) examines the ideas behind prejudice and hatred, how these affect people, and how hate speech eventually leads to violence through a five point scale: antilocution (the open expression of antagonism), avoidance (of members of the disliked group), discrimination, physical attack, and extermination.

Daniel Goldhagen (1996) discussed the three dimensions of anti-Semitism (source of malefic qualities, latent-manifest preoccupation, and putative perniciousness). Although Goldhagen (1996: 35-36) discusses anti-Semitism, the same can be said can also be said about homophobia:It is his [sexual orientation], his [identification], or his [sexual behaviour].These same three dimensions: source, latent-manifest, and perniciousness can be seen to exist in homophobia.Both Allport's (1958) scale or action, and Goldhagen's (1996) three dimensions can be applied to other forms of hatred, and could also be seen to increase if the lyrics used by Odd Future against specific groups were to be allowed at Big Day Out.

Herek and Berrill (1992) indicate that the effects of hate speech on a person's self-esteem and the stigmatisation imposed cannot be ignored. It has been shown in numerous studies that stigmatisation of a group and a lack of self esteem can lead to suicide (Clayton, 1997; Fergusson, Horwood, Ridder & Beautrais, 2005: 979; Petrie and Brook, 1992; Rosenhan and Seligman, 1985: 342-343). The effects of these lyrics on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender emerging youth could be enormous, stigmatising them, resulting in low self-esteem, and possible subsequent consequences, such as suicide, and personal verbal and physical attacks. All these are certainly injurious to the public good. Furthermore, stigmatised groups are less likely to retain safe choices in regards to a variety of factors, including safer sex

In terms of societal hatred, Greg Herek (2004: 14) points out that “First, hostility exists in the form of shared knowledge that is embodied in cultural ideologies that define sexuality, demarcate social groupings based on it, and assign value to those groups and their members. Second, these ideologies are expressed through society's structure, institutions, and power relations. Third, individuals internalize these ideologies and, through their attitudes and actions, express, reinforce, and challenge them”.

This is not a new idea, but also dates back to Allport (1958: 152), who stated that minority members develop coping methods to deal with stigma directed at them, including “intrapunitive” measures, directed inwards: “one's sense of shame for possessing the despised qualities of one's group” as well as “repugnance for other members of one's group because they ‘possess' these qualities”.

This internalisation of hatred and stigmatisation affects people in various ways. Self esteem suffers under such an assault, and is often deemed necessary for ensuring that safe sexual decisions are made. However, NZ research seems to controvert this – self esteem levels in themselves are not indicators of safe sexual decisions (McGee & Williams, 2000). It appears that levels of stigma seems to have more effect than self esteem on decisions about safer sex decisions (Bruce, Ramirez-Valles, & Campbell, 2008; Preston D'Augelli, Kassab, Cain, Schultze, & Starks, 2004; Preston, D'Augelli, Kassab, & Starks, 2007). If these decisions are compromised, unsafe sex may be practiced, leading to infection with an STI, such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia or HIV. It is thus important to address stigmatisation of GLBT people and other minority groups.

People like Beenie Man and groups like Odd Future that promote hatred and discrimination against groups encourage violence against those groups. If it is acceptable to say something similar to “Gays are a cancer on society that deserves to be eliminated?”, then what group would be next?

Therefore, by allowing Odd Future to play at BDO, you are proving that you have little concern for the lives and welfare of LGBT people, that you are willing to endanger their lives, and seek to encourage stigmatisation against them. I find this disappointing in an organisation that could do so much to enhance the self esteem of youth, reduce stigma, and discourage violence. Over the last year we have heard of a number of LGBT youth who have committed suicide due to bullying tactics that are endorsed by music that belittles LGBT people, such as that played by Odd Future. Lyrics such as those played by Odd Future increase the societal discourse against LGBT people, a discourse that encourages bullying and violence.

Just as there are precedents for not allowing Beanie Man into New Zealand, I believe those same precedents apply in this case.

I therefore encourage you to reverse your decision to allow Odd Future to play at BDO, and thus prove that you do care about all members of society.

91 Comments

Rowan Springfield

OF aren't homophobic anyways. Alex da kid (the girl in the picture) is lesbian and she engineers all their shit. They are being ironic when they say all that shit. IT'S FUNNY! So yeah, I bet they have a bunch of gay fans too that will also be pissed they aren't playing...

Swordz

Candee

This is so stupid. I can't believe that they've been booted from performing over one man's little cry. If he has such a problem with them performing, then don't watch them at the festival it's that's simple. There's going to be more then one person at Big Day Out so this is soooo unfair. Thankgod they're still playing in Aus and people here a little less sensitive!

lollollollollollollollol

@Fado

skateboarders and hipsters been started too become apart of hiphop, First Kanye emotional ass, then Cudi,cool kids, chiddy bang, OF and lil b and now the monstrosity of the white girl mob has turned its ugly ass head. I dont fuck with any of these tumblr, photography, macbook, starbucks sippin bitches. I bump Kendrick lamar and J.cole, other then that fuck these new artist.

Anonymous

Fado

how does odd future dress gay?...Cus Tyler is wearing shorts? Hes from California these niggas grew up with alot of weird hipster white ppl lol. The only rapper I think dresses gay is Drake. I don't think Drake is gay BUT HE IS SOFT AS FUCK, hes the type of nigga that CAN NEVER GO TOO JAIL.I think Big Sean is soft too, BUT he doesn't come off as being a complete bitch like Drake.
kid cudi + Early Eminem + hipster = Odd future

TylertheDestroyer

I hope for your sake and the rest of NZ they do solo show's. If they are going to be labeled gay haters maybe they should make a song called "i hate fags" and all you Kiwis recite it and sing it to all the gays over there just to piss them off.

Anonymous

Get over it. Just because your GAY doesn't mean you gota fuck a whole show over. Odd future doesn't hate gays, THE WORLD DOES. Do you think by eliminating this show you'll get your point across? And so what, gays don't discriminate now? Its not even biologically correct to fuck a man in the ass and now we have to just accept that? This is fuckin madness. How about applying your doctoral redirect towards solving the aboriginie poverty rate compared to other Australians. "If you could take a fucking dick you could take a joke"

rawbusiness

KidNamedReece

Could've seen this one from a mile away. For those who don't know, Beanie Man got pulled from the same festival's line-up a few years back for the same reason...OFWGKTA never stood a chance.
I don't like those guys who spam every post with this crap, but if you've got a second to spare and boredom to kill please check out my blog about hip-hop and hoops, akidnamedreece . blogspot . com
Any constructive feedback or friendly conversation would be immensely appreciated. Much love. -Reece

Romeon

Anonymous

Went to the odd future show in DC. The kid Mellow hype can really rap.
I'm talking born with it. Not the Kanye Jay z type of rapper who just bit every one's style and stole someone's lane.
That kid is like a Young Nas that grew up in the burbs.
His daddy must be from the hood.
That joint he got on Madden 12 is crazy.

Anonymous

Whites and blacks couldn't even kiss each other on television shows in America until about the mid 90's-2000's in most places in Australia and NZ that hasn't really been taboo for about 40 years. That's why America keeps getting starting so many wars, you think you know everything but half of you would struggle to find your own country on a map.

Anonymous

Fado

Its hypocritical that this organization wants people to try and understand the gay lifestyle and be open minded, but they arnt open minded enough to fully observe my generations take on the word faggit. understanding goes both ways. Its Art, its supposed to be controversial.

Fado

I went too a school for the arts and alot of gay people arnt as sensitive as the organizations that "represent" them portray. They are gay and proud and outgoing and would listen too an OF song hear them say faggit and laugh. Faggit is not specifically a gay slur anymore its much more often used as a general cus word like Bitch or Fuck. Tyler calls his straight friend a faggit in the song supermarket. In fact Tyler calls alot of straight people faggit cus the word has a different meaning too him then it does too this organization, gay people of my generation understand that that's why they arnt offended when they hear it in a song.

Anonymous

remix23mix

only reason i was going to attend this.. if you didnt care for their content dont invite them to perform in the first place... OFWGKTA should show up in new zealand at some tiny venue and perform for their non retarded fans.

aussie

Jake Drennan

this is hilarious...don't people understand fabricated shock value?? they just say a bunch of outrageous shit to piss people off and they feed off of it. remember eminem back in the days? same thing only they aren't as good at it

@liases

Anonymous

sad man

I'm a straight man with a gay butt but, i don't mind their lyrics. Every time i'm with females my butt starts shouting farts at them trying to embarrass me and ruin my fun, but when i'm around men my butt gets quiet. i love women and i need a way to get my butt to stop i tried advice that was given to me but it doesn't help. Do you guys have any help for a straight man with a gay butt?

sad man

Anonymous

bloody bastard

They should have known this was gonna happen. Maybe they are too young to realize the consequences of their "free speech"? Gays are a powerful group with a lot of $, if you promote gay hate speech they will make sure you cannot play shows and you lo$e. You can say what you want, but don't be surprised when negativity has a backlash. I've seen this happen to some of my favorite reggae MC's like Sizzla and Capleton in the U.$., shows get cancelled, kicked off big festivals = lo$e. I was disappointed when this happened n/c I still like these artists IN SPITE of their homophobic views, but don't really have a leg to stand on if I try and defend them. "They are from a different culture" falls a bit flat when u have young men with HIV literally getting lynched in JA. Not gay or an OF fan at all and I think this dude's editorial/letter is one of the least articulate arguments I've read, but ultimately he and the other protestors who are getting the shows cancelled are within their rights 100%. Sucks for the fans, but it forces us to put pressure on the artists to cut out this antisocial/immature shit. Without that though, what is OFWGKTA?

Bravo

I applaud you sir. This is probably the only comment I have ever read on this site that was composed with intelligence. OFWGKTA is just a stupid acronym that all these little high school kids think is cool to write on their notebooks and bathroom stalls lol We can only hope that they will grow up one day.

Fado

I dont give a fuck how people want to live their lifes. Do what makes you happy your only here once. BUT WHAT THE FUCK, listening too odd future doesn't make people hate gays or lesbians. They just made a music video with 2 lesbians in it kissing and shit, they arnt homophobic.

Fado

Lesbians are heralded in hiphop music. But not skinny lesbian girls with short hair that dress guyish like syd tha kyd. By the way did you actualy read the article?, not just gay men are referred too what do you think LGBT stands for?, So yes I can use a Lesbian in my argument cus according too this letter that is a group of people that will be victimized by this music. Wake up too the modern day though, A ton of OF fans are gay and lesbian, gay guys call straight guys and one another faggit, I guarantee if you play OF music for the gay people of my generation they wont feel victimized or whatever the fuck else this letter is talking about. I went too a school for the arts and alot of gay people arnt as sensitive as the organizations that "represent" them portray. They are gay and proud and outgoing and would listen too an OF song hear them say faggit and laugh.

Anonymous

HRH

If we are to allow gay faggots(AIDS) the right to be free in our society, we should allow Heroin and Crack Cocaine into our society as well. Both are habits and addictions that people are to overcome. So why can't drug dealers and drug addicts participate as well?

@ HRH

SMH

Going by how you refer to gay people as "gay faggots" gives me a pretty good idea as to where your intelligence level is at HRH so I will try and keep this simple. The youth in this country can't get addicted to homosexual erotic acts that's just silly. I am not trying to say you have to like homosexuals, but I have had a gay friend beaten to a bloody pulp dude to his sexual orientation. You see it as him deserving it, but I see it as blind hate. If you're worried about AIDS, don't mess with dirty women. Simple as that. Get them checked! Let's just stop the hate already it's getting out of control.

HRH

There's always the Bi gay faggot, who has spread the disease upon the straight people of our societies.
If Drug Dealers are scum, then so are gay faggots, because they come on to anybody who's willing to try, and get the youth in this country addicted in and fuck up their lives.

What an idiot ^

Wow you are truly retarded. You make no sense what so ever homie. Aids get spread by fucking another gay dude, if you aren't gay then you have nothing to worry about. Drug dealers are scum because they sell to anyone that is willing buy or try to get the youth in this country addicted in and fuck up their lives.

matt

Ummm

Not when that speech is promoting hatred towards another group. That's like a black person being ok with a major skin head group rapping about it being ok to hang "niggers" dumb ass think before you speak.